These 10 new sports will be introduced at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia

Don't look confused. Know them before you see them.

The 2018 Asian Games begin on Saturday in Jakarta, Indonesia with pretty packed schedule of 40 events. Alongside the usual Olympic sports that serve as practice ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for the athletes, there are some new events that go a long way in representing the diversity that exists in the world’s biggest continent. There are ten sports that are all set to make their debut in this year’s Asian Games. The Asian Games 2018 will be hosted by the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 to September 2. Here’s everything you need to know about the 10 sporting disciplines that will be seen in the Asian Games for the first time ever:

10 sports that will be introduced in Asian Games 2018

While some of the sports — Rollersports and climbing — have been introduced keeping the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in mind, the others have been added to exhibit the rich diversity in the host nation of Indonesia and its neighbouring countries.

1. 3×3 Basketball

Unlike the regular basketball rules, the 3×3 basketball is played only on one half of the regular court. The team comprises of only four players, in which only three actually play. The fourth player is the reserve who can be substituted at any time of the match. While the game is played under the normal FIBA (International Basketball Federation) rules, some rules have been tweaked for the smaller team format.

2. Contract Bridge

Contract Bridge more commonly known Bridge is very popular in the host nation of Indonesia. Naturally, the country pushed for its debut in the games with a strong belief that it can win gold. The decision came in 2016 to introduce this game and was welcomed by Bridge associations across Asia. It is still unclear as to how the authorities will be able to capture a card game as a live spectacle especially for those watching on television. The oldest athlete in the event is Malaysian Bridge player, Lee Hung Fong at 81.

3. Jet Skiing

While Jet Ski is a brand name for Kawasaki’s personal watercraft, the term also refers to any type of personal watercraft which until now was mainly used for recreation. The sport will be conducted at the Ancol Beach and will include events such as Endurance Runabout Open, Runabout 1100 Stock, Runabout limited and Ski Modified.

4. Paragliding

Paragliding for many years was a recreational adventure sport for flight enthusiasts. But that all changes at the 2018 Asian Games. A sport which basically focuses on the ability to control a parachute to fly, the paragliding aircraft is a lightweight, foot-launched rigid structure which works on aerodynamics. While there are three types of paragliding races; cross-country, aerobatics and bivouac, Asian Games will not be seeing the bivouac event.

5. Pencak Silat

Legend has it that this Indonesian martial art originated in Sumatra after a woman witnessed a fight between a tiger and a giant hawk and later used the same fighting technique to fend off a group of drunks. However it may have started, this martial art due to its immense popularity in the host nation has found its way into the Asian Games 2018. Pencak Silat is an umbrella term which describe a variety of disciplines. Malaysia is probably the only country that stands in the way of an Indonesian gold.

6. Jujutsu

Jujutsu which is often confused with Judo is sometimes referred to as the chess of martial art sports mainly because it relies heavily on tactics and strategy. Neither participant is allowed to punch or kick and is only allowed to put a hold on their opponent. A winner can be only decided via submission and gets points for takedowns which becomes an advantage in the match.

7. Sambo

Sambo or its tongue twisting alternative SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya literally translates to self-defense without weapons. A martial art which flourished in Russia in the early 1920s, it gained immense popularity in the South East Asian countries in the 20th century. This sport combines some of the most effective techniques of wrestling, judo, boxing and savate.

8. Kurash

Another martial art form all set to make a debut in 2018 Asian Games, Kurash originated in Uzbekistan and resembles wrestling and judo. The participants mainly try to take down their opponents using a hook move. Kurash is one of the oldest martial art forms in the world.

9. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is another Indonesian influenced sport that finds itself in the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta and Palembang. While hosts Indonesia will be the obvious favourites to bag the gold, countries like Thailand and Malaysia will also fancy their chances when the event takes place on August 23-27.

10. Rollersports

Rollersports which include skateboarding and rollerblading is an immensely popular sport among the millennials. While it only featured in the global X-Games event, it will soon make its debut in the 2020 Olympics. The event will therefore be the perfect platform for participants to rehearse before the Olympics.